John Hancock Funds, the Boston, MA-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial, has launched the iDiversify app, designed to help financial advisors talk to investors about porfolio diversification.

The app allows users to explore the performance of some 23 equity, fixed income and alternative asset classes, and compare how a diversified portfolio would have performed over a specific time period.

"iDiversify shows at a glance how different asset classes have performed in different market environments, including the benefits of incorporating alternatives," said Karen McCafferty, senior vice president and head of marketing at John Hancock Funds.

The app is free and available for download via the firm’s website and on iTunes for the iPad.